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So you’ve seen those cars driving around with the huge “zipcar” logo plastered on the body. Otherwise, you might have seen those zipcar promo people in the SUB with their wheel of fortune thing. Maybe you’re considering being a member of zipcar. Read this before applying. An insider’s guide to what works, what doesn’t work and what to expect.

The Eligibility
You have to be at least 19, have a squeaky clean driver’s record and your full license for over a year. No complaints on my end.

The Application
Navigate through the www.zipcar.com website. There’s even a tab for Universities. 30 dollars and a few mouse clicks later, you’re a member (pending approval from zipcar).

The membership card to drive comes within a week. The website is pretty fool proof and their customer service reps are quick to return emails and calls.

But if you’re out of province (ahem like me) or international, it takes ALOT more effort to get the ball rolling. For Albertans, your first stop is the drivers registry…in Alberta, pay to get your driver’s record release and then fax it to zipcar. There were complications with my application, took me 2 months to get through. Consult website for specific requirements.

The ZipCar
Book online, tap your membership card to the windshield and instant access. Trust me on this: take the time to skim the car manual instructions before you put your pedal to the metal. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re cruising on the highway and trying to locate the temperature dial on the car console (don’t kid yourself – some of these cars especially the hybrids are quite confusing).

Although conveniently located next to my res building, sometimes the previous zipcar driver is late, which cuts however many minutes out of your reservation.

Also zipcar claims “using the gas card…you can fill up your Zipcar with free fuel at any gas station.” That’s up for correction, zipcars on campus can only be filled at Esso. That’s not a big deal, Esso is everywhere. But then the gas card gets declined at Esso, one clerk at Esso told me it’s because Zipcar isn’t paying their gas bill. Oh well, I guess everyone gets behind on their bills. Zipcar says that they’ll reimburse you on gas money. Well Zipcar it’s been 2 months, where’s my money?

My Verdict:
Overall, Zipcar has got the right idea with its affordable prices, convenient locations and easy accessibility. It’s ideal for students who need the car for a short period of time (yay seymour trips) as compared to other companies who only offer rentals by day. Additionally companies like Enterprise only rent out to 21+. I also really appreciate their “text to extend reservation” feature. They offer pretty good deals such as overnight rates from 6pm to 8:30am for $39. But watch out and read the fine print because 5:30pm to 8:30am is $105. But they still have some minor tuning to do with their services. Btw zipcar offer positions if you need some extra cash. You’ll be in charge of filling gas, taking the car for maintenance and cleaning etc aka making people like me happy. Refer to website for details.

3 more days, and counting down.
– Coffee and energy drinks are starting to lose it’s effect.
– I start to lose track of days. Weekend, weekday. They all mean the same thing. Study.
– I haven’t seen a world outside of Koerner in weeeeeks!

In the meantime, have you heard of Like A Little?

Hilarious website, started out east. Just came to UBC a few days ago. This takes creeping/stalking to the next level. Enjoy!

Stop reading my blog.

SUS Fall Elections are coming up… Brace yourself for some shameless advertising/campaigning!

Hello there!

I see that you are procrastinating from ______ (insert least favourite course here). I understand that _________(insert UBC professor name here) makes you want to explode like ________(insert favourite reactive element here). So let me spare you more hard reading and summarize everything in a non-intimating and super friendly list.

1. Who are you?

My name is Melanie Ang (although I respond to Mel, Melly and Smelly) and I’m a second year Integrated Sciences Major. I’m running for the position of GENERAL OFFICER for the upcoming SUS fall elections.

2. Why should I vote for you?

If my spiffy campaign poster isn’t quite enough to impress you, I also bring to the table my EXPERIENCE, ENTHUSIASM, APPROACHABILITY and COLLECTION OF SCIENCE SWAG/BLUE FACE PAINT.

EXPERIENCE –
CSP Council Social Coordinator, 2009-2010
SUS First Year Committee, 2009-2010
SUS Public Relations Committee, 2009-2010
Science Week Professor Talent Show MC, 2010
CSP’s Got Talent MC, 2010
Frosh Leader, Science Frosh 2010
MUG Leader, Imagine 2010

ENTHUSIASM – You can find me on campus belting out science cheers and sporting the infamous blue science facepaint. From ingesting a fair amount of JELLO at Science Week Jello Wresting (anyone up for challenging me this year?) to modeling the latest lab coat designs at the Wet Lab Coat Pageant, I ALWAYS give anything I do 110%!

APPROACHABILITY – General Officer is a crucial link between science students and their undergraduate society. With Ladha as my second home, combined with my dedication to voicing and listening to students’ concern, vote for someone you can count on. Vote for Melanie.

COLLECTION OF SCIENCE SWAG/BLUE FACEPAINT – A bazillion pairs of blue jeans (does that count?), 10 blue t-shirts in a variety of shades, 3 pairs of blue shoes, 2 blue sunglasses, 1 pair of blue socks and 1 blue cape….and don’t even get me started about the blue face paint.

3. How can I vote?

ANYONE in Science can elect (up to 4) General Officers. Any year and any major. Come on down to the Abdul Ladha Centre from Monday September 24, 2010 to Friday October 1. (Times listed below) Don’t forget to bring your student ID.

I would like to thank you for considering me as your SUS GENERAL OFFICER and for the chance to share a bit about who I am and what I am passionate about. If you have any questions or just want to say hi, feel free to email me at got.mel@live.ca or stop me on campus. 🙂 Also check out my facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=157047274322970&v=wall

Voting Times:

Monday, September 27 – 10:30am to 2:00pm
Tuesday, September 28 – 10:30am to 2:00pm
Wednesday, September 29 – 10:30am to 2:00pm
Thursday, September 30 – 10:30am to 4:00pm
Friday, October 1 – 11:00am to 12:00pm

SUS Candidate Debate:
Monday, September 27 – 4pm to 6pm
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128821450501435

Candidate list:
http://www.sus.ubc.ca/elections/candidates/fall2010

See you around and remember…do you “got mel”?

Bamfield <3

Even after the 5+ hour journey, horrible cellphone reception and crazy busy schedule, Bamfield still rocks! I love being by the ocean and learning about all the cool marine organism. I just wish it wasn’t as crazy schedule, 7am to 9pm days. So for future reference, to anyone who consider taking Bio140, BAMFIELD as your elective is the way to go.

WOOHOO!!!! 3-2.

I love team Canada, but more importantly I love Crosby! Woot!